Counter offer upping earnest from 500 to 3000

[James Petry]

Negotiating a deal on a sfr with an out of state tust company.  The seller countered my offer and added a stipulation that the earnest money be bumped up from 500 to 3000.  I dont mind putting the money up as i dont intend to break the deal. Anyone have advice or experience on not losing earnest money to something out of my control?

[Wayne Brooks]

Perfectly normal, the sellers want you to have some skin in the deal, in case you simply walk. We typically ask for 10% if it’s a cash deal.